Back to Directory
Altum Wealth Advisors | S. Cliadakis, CFP®

Altum Wealth Advisors | S. Cliadakis, CFP®

Reviews Summary

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the financial advisors for their exceptional professionalism, expertise, and personalized service. Clients highlight their compassion, clear communication, and ability to simplify complex financial concepts. Many appreciate the team's responsiveness, trustworthiness, and dedication to building long-term relationships. The advisors are commended for tailoring strategies to individual needs, helping clients navigate life changes, and providing reliable guidance. A few note high minimum investment requirements, but most describe the service as transformative, with strong recommendations for their holistic, client-focused approach.

About This Listing

CFO Services
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Professional Services
Risk Management
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

CFO Services
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Professional Services
Risk Management
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

Contact Information

Address

1074 East Ave suite t-1

Chico, California 95926

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-5PM
Tuesday 8AM-5PM
Wednesday 8AM-5PM
Thursday 8AM-5PM
Friday 8AM-2PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

Working with Mistie at Altum Wealth Advisors was a great experience. She really took the time to understand my financial goals and created a personalized plan that was easy to follow. Mistie?s expertise and clear communication made navigating financial decisions so much easier. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for expert financial planning with a personal touch!

Miste's ability to effectively support her clients financial goals is a commitment she makes for life. My childhood friend's mother worked with Miste and she was supportive through the loss of their mother and even took time to attend and help at her funeral. In a business that can be cold and confusing Miste brings a personal touch with her passion for what she does. She will work hard to make your goals become a reality and builds lasting relationships with clients that are invaluable.

My wife and I were overwhelmed with various accounts in our portfolio. Miste, Steve and Melanie helped us consolidate and organize our portfolio. We have been very satisfied with their financial guidance. They take the time to listen to our questions and are friendly and professional.

Miste & Steve have been managing my daughter?s finances for a few years now. They have helped her and her husband navigate how to appropriately grow their inheritance, their retirement accounts while making sure their ever changing family financial needs are met. They are all very nice, including Melanie, their Paraplanner. They treat their clients right not to mention make your money grow!

I highly recommend Altum Wealth Advisors! Miste and Steve are so compassionate and helpful. Its a challenge to find great financial planners that you trust and know will do a wonderful job. I am so fortunate to have these two on my team. Miste is so professional and has done a tremendous job handling my finances. With her guidance and advice I have grown so much on my finacial path. They are patient, knowledgeable, and very passionate about what they do. Please consider them for all of your financial needs.

Miste is experienced, knowledgeable, professional and personable. Her communication, prompt responses and game plan for each and every client is top notch. Highly recommend.

Miste Cliadakis is a standout professional in financial planning and investment management. She brings not only deep expertise but also a caring, thoughtful approach to her work. Miste truly listens to her clients and helps them feel confident about their financial future.

Neither my wife nor I write reviews. It's not that we don't have both good and bad experiences out there, but rather that we're both 75 years old and don't think to write them. However, our five-year relationship with Miste and her assistant Melanie have changed that for us and we are now feeling compelled to spread the word to as many people as possible?they simply do not miss a beat. We are so grateful to both of them for financially relaxing us and allowing us to maximize the enjoyment of our retirement

We cannot say enough about the integrity and helpfulness of Altum Wealth Advisors. Choosing a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you'll make in your life and finding the right one is critical. Altum has been there with us every step of the way since the beginning and we could not be more satisfied with their continued expertise, response time to our queries and friendliness. But even more impressive is their ability to continue this same level of professionalism no matter where you

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Miste Cliadakis through a networking group. She is professional and very knowledgeable. I have trusted her and Steve with my family?s portfolio for some time now. We trust their financial guidance and would highly recommend. Also love Melanie in the office!

Steve and Miste have provided excellent advice for us over the years, from retirement plan and tax strategies to 529 plans. Steve and Miste are a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended.

Miste Cliadakis at Altum Wealth Advisors is like no other financial planner. She is incredibly professional and she and her husband, Steve, make sure their clients feel very well taken care of. Miste is extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy and compassionate. If you have any financial questions or needs, make sure you contact Altum Wealth Advisors.

If you are looking for the best wealth & investment advisors, look no further. They are right here. Steve & Miste have done an amazing job handling my finances and guiding me down the best financial path. They are so good at answering all my questions too. I?m so grateful for all their help.

I would like to give the highest recommendation to Altum Wealth Advisors and especially Miste Cliadakas as financial planners. My husband and I have worked with them for many years and they have made excellent decisions in our financial portfolio. My husband passed away unexpectedly a few months ago and the mountains of paperwork as the spouse of a military man/university professor was unbelievable. As I was faced with months of dealing with this paperwork, Miste was there every single day to help me naviga

Miste is amazing!! I have referred multiple individuals to her and they have all been incredibly happy with her service. Misti takes a personal and caring approach with each of her clients. She takes the time to really know and understand each person and their individual needs. She is amazing!

Atlum has been managing our investments for the better part of a decade. They have been excellent with communication and investment management. We are extremely happy with their services.

I have been working with Miste for awhile now and I wanted to leave a review for their company. Miste is amazing. She's honest, works hard for her clients, she's amazingly knowledgeable, and professional. I love that we are so comfortable working with her that we refer our friends and family to her. Thank you Miste!

One of the most difficult and most important things to find is a good financial advisor. When we moved to Willows from San Francisco after our current advisor had died, we thought we'd be out of luck. We were wrong. Altum is the best. The two partners that run it have a lot of experience and and know the business. They are without question, the best financial experts that we have ever had. They have it all: experience, successful history, responsive to our needs, great people skills, and are true professi

Very compassionate and informative. Sometimes financial planners can talk in a code that is difficult to understand. I don't know a ROI from an well, you know. So, it's encouraging to talk with someone who can help us hard working folks plan for a better future!

I went through the process of completing an online form and requesting an appointment. When I didn't hear back from them after a week I called and was told that they only accept clients that have $500,000+ to invest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.